Delores Johnston Cahen

Delores Johnston 'DJ' Cahen, 86, most recently of Sun Valley, Idaho, passed away January 29, 2016 in Centennial, Colorado, surrounded by her family and caregivers. DJ was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on July 21, 1929 to parents Wallace Glen Dewey and Ellye James Johnston. She grew up in Baker, Louisiana and graduated from the Baton Rouge School of Nursing. She moved to New Orleans for her nursing career where she soon met the love of her life Irvin Cahen MD. They were married October 20, 1955. DJ & Irv raised their two children in New Orleans Louisiana and Sun Valley, Idaho. In September 1977, they moved to Sun Valley, Idaho. Irv had his orthopedic practice and DJ began her next career. With her good taste and contagious optimism, she and two friends bought the old Campbell House and opened The Picket Fence. DJ owned and expanded the store for 29 years, turning her love of beautiful fine linens into a successful business. DJ was happiest when she was with her family and friends. Whether she was organizing cook outs up North Fork or Prairie Creeks, picnics to Redfish Lake, hosting the original summer golf party, the String Tournament, or traveling with Irv and her children, DJ's generous heart and spirit guaranteed memories for a lifetime. She was adored by many and will be remembered with love. DJ is survived by her daughter, Delvin Cahen Ash and her husband Joseph P. Ash; her son Craig Irvin Cahen and his wife, Lynn Morgan Cahen; her granddaughters, Corinne Cahen Ekle and her husband Bryson Ekle; Courtney Elyse Cahen and Logan Catherine Ash; her sister, Kathleen Johnston Nolan; her nieces Jill Johnston Wilkerson, Jane Johnston Moore, Kay Radlauer; her nephews Daron Joseph Nolan and David Radlauer. She was preceded in death by her husband Irvin Cahen MD, her parents, her brother James Wallace Johnston, her nephews Leonard Radlauer and John Rayburn Johnston, and grandson Tanner Irvin Ash. Internment and reception are being planned for this summer in Ketchum, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, her request for donations to be sent to Hospice of the Wood River Valley PO BOX 4320 Ketchum, Idaho. 83340